David K Mcgrath

US Patent:

6651438, Nov 25, 2003

Filed:

Aug 29, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/941397

Inventors:

David K. McGrath - Elkton MD
Daniel C. Dombrowski - Elkton MD

Assignee:

Alliant Techsystems Inc. - Edina MN

International Classification:

F02K 980

US Classification:

60771, 23926519

Abstract:

A rocket nozzle assembly is provided for operatively coupling to a rocket motor. The assembly includes a nozzle insert structure having a converging-diverging passageway with a throat region. First and second thrust control cylinders are parallel to each other and rotatable about respective axes transverse to the passageway central axis. The first and second thrust control cylinders intersect the throat region and include respective grooves. A thrust control cylinder-rotating subassembly is operatively associated with the first and second thrust control cylinders to rotate the cylinders about their respective axes and move the grooves relative to the throat region. Movement of the grooves changes the effective cross-sectional throat area of the converging/diverging passageway at the throat region for controlling the thrust when the rocket nozzle assembly is operatively engaged with an operating rocket motor.

US Patent:

57984808, Aug 25, 1998

Filed:

Aug 2, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/561973

Inventors:

Rodney L. Willer - Newark DE
David K. McGrath - Elkton MD

Assignee:

Cordant Technologies Inc. - Ogden UT

International Classification:

C06B 4510

US Classification:

149 194

Abstract:

A family of high performance, space motor, solid propellants based on polyglycidyl nitrate elastomer binder, ammonium perchlorate oxidizer and beryllium or beryllium hydride fuel which do not require the presence of plasticizers. A high performance, space motor, solid propellant based on a polyglycidyl nitrate elastomer binder, ammonium perchlorate or hydroxy ammonium perchlorate and beryllium or beryllium hydride optimizes performance at low solids levels.

US Patent:

55919367, Jan 7, 1997

Filed:

Aug 2, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/561951

Inventors:

Rodney L. Willer - Newark DE
David K. McGrath - Elkton MD

Assignee:

Thiokol Corporation - Ogden UT

International Classification:

C06B 4510

US Classification:

149 194

Abstract:

A family of high performance, clean, space motor/gas generator solid propellants based on polyglycidyl nitrate elastomer binder, ammonium nitrate oxidizer and small amounts of aluminum and/or boron and which do not require the presence of plasticizers. A high performance, space motor/gas generator solid propellant based on a polyglycidyl nitrate elastomer binder and ammonium nitrate oxidizer optimizes performance at low solids levels.

US Patent:

58013253, Sep 1, 1998

Filed:

Aug 2, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/561774

Inventors:

Rodney L. Willer - Newark DE
David K. McGrath - Elkton MD

Assignee:

Cordant Technologies Inc. - Ogden UT

International Classification:

C06D 4510

US Classification:

149 194

Abstract:

A family of high performance, large launch vehicle, solid propellants based on polyglycidyl nitrate elastomer binders. A clean, large launch vehicle, solid propellant based on a polyglycidyl nitrate elastomer binder, ammonium nitrate oxidizer and aluminum or magnesium fuel optimizes at low solids levels and produces essentially no HCl or chloride ion in the exhaust.